Repsol Honda qualifying 1-2 in Sachsenring

Marc Marquez returned to pole position at the eni Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland with teammate Dani Pedrosa in second.

Both Repsol Honda Team riders suffered heavy crashes on the opening day of practice but were able to recover and top the timesheets come Q2, despite another fall for Pedrosa.

FP4 activity was reduced as rain forced many of the riders to stay in the pits for long periods, but this had no negative impact on either Honda riders as both were immediately quick in Q2.

A lap of 1’20.937s saw Marquez secure pole position. This lap also broke Casey Stoner’s six year old pole position record, set on qualifying tyres. Marquez is looking for his fifth consecutive Sachsenring win on Sunday.

Teammate Pedrosa was also pushing for pole position for much of the session. The experienced Spaniard set a 1’21.233s several minutes from the end. Pedrosa then suffered a front end crash at Turn 1, ending his hopes of pole. He was unhurt in the crash, but able to pinpoint the cause.

Marquez commented, “We started with a big crash on Friday but step-by-step we regained the confidence. Already yesterday afternoon the rhythm was quite good. In FP4 I felt very good, we improved the set up and I found some more grip. I pushed and I was able to get a good lap, beating the circuit record. Tomorrow is the most important, a big race before the holidays.”

Pedrosa added, “I had a good pace during qualifying, unfortunately I crashed. Maybe I made a mistake or I hit a bump. It’s still good. The front row and start are very important here as it is very tight. The weather is good but hopefully it doesn’t get too hot as the grip drops a little. Luckily I am okay after the two crashes, thank you to the mechanics for fixing the bike.”